RALEIGH, N.C. -- Authorities have issued arrest warrants for the owner of a ride at the North Carolina State Fair that investigators say injured five people after safety equipment was tampered with.

The Wake County Sheriff's Office said the warrants for 32-year-old Joshua Gene Macaroni were issued Wednesday. The statement said Macaroni is charged with two felony counts of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, and a third felony charge of assaulting a juvenile.

Two adults and a 14-year-old remained hospitalized in Raleigh almost two weeks after being thrown from "The Vortex." Two others were treated and released.

The ride is owned by Macaroni's family business, Family Attractions Amusement Co. of Valdosta, Ga. A company spokeswoman said Macaroni is represented by attorney Dan Boyce, who did not return telephone calls and emails.